Celebrating ten years: Ontario Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance

March 21, 2013

This year the Ontario Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance (OCDPA) celebrates its tenth year anniversary. The OCDPA was officially established in February 2003 when it became clear that there was an urgent need for integrated action and collaboration on the issue of chronic disease prevention in Ontario.

Over its ten year span, membership has grown from nine founding members to twenty-two members today. The OCDPA continues to build reach and perspective with its partner and member organizations, offering evidence and insight into each of the five risk-factors that form the focus of the OCDPA’s efforts:

High-risk alcohol consumption

Physical inactivity

Poor mental health

Tobacco use exposure, and

Unhealthy eating

Over the past ten years, the OCDPA has contributed to chronic disease prevention across the province and the country by hosting forums and workshops, providing consultations, and producing reports and resources for use by those working to affect change in chronic disease at all levels.

For example, since 2003, the OCDPA has:

Provided overviews on the determinants and risk factors for chronic disease development;

Addressed the economic cost of chronic disease in Canada;

Identified the priorities of action in chronic disease prevention;

Created in-person and virtual platforms for discussion and knowledge exchange on chronic disease prevention issues; and